RUN supports student engagement with Asia

The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the Government’s announcement that every Australian university will be encouraged to send students to universities in Asia to ensure that the next generation of Australian leaders are Asia-literate.

The Chair of RUN, Professor David Battersby, commenting on the ‘Australian in the Asian Century’ report and the subsequent announcement by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, said that sending students from regional Australia to Asia would provide a strong basis for economic and cultural development in the regions.

"RUN strongly supports more Asian students studying at universities in regional Australia and more Australian students studying in Asia. Such student mobility will promote the diversity and cultural enrichment of our communities," Professor Battersby said.

"RUN also welcomes the encouragement from the Minister for more Australian students to undertake Asian studies and Asian languages.

"Our universities are collaborating in the implementation of an Accord, a multi-lateral agreement which covers collaboration in teaching and learning, research and consolidation of support functions. Such an approach assists course delivery in a cost effective manner in thin markets.

"In October, our members discussed how we could build on our existing collaboration in language delivery to make a wider range of units, including in Asian languages, available to our students," Professor Battersby said.

"RUN universities are also uniquely placed to undertake research of relevance to Asia in the 21st century such as in environmental studies, food and water security."